Fort Bragg soldier drowns at White Lake

According to reports from the White Lake Police Department, the incident took place at about 2:30 p.m. near the Goldston’s Beach Pier.

Pvt. Jordan Miles was at White Lake with four other individuals and apparently swam under the pier and hit his head. A 911 call was placed and, after a 20-minute search, Miles’ body was found near the end of the pier.

Miles, whose hometown was listed as Longview, Texas, was an intelligence analyst with the 1st Brigade Combat Team.

“Pvt. Miles was an exceptional paratrooper and an integral part of the team,” Lt. Col. Mark S. Childress, Miles’ battalion commander, said in a released statement. “We will never forget him.”

Saturday’s drowning was the second at White Lake this year.

According to reports, Miles joined the Army in October 2012 and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in June. He had earned several medals and awards, including Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Parachutists Badge and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.